LYCS Architecture just began constructing a new daylit art center in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangzhou">Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China</a> that is every bit as beautiful as the site it sits upon. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-wins-kimball-art-center-competition-with-its-twisting-timber-eco-tower/">Spruce Art Center</a> reuses a pre-existing, one-story structure located on a lot flush with spruce trees, and transforms it from an abandoned relic into a dynamic new space that integrates both<a href="http://inhabitat.com/aganetha-dyck-works-with-live-bees-to-make-beautiful-art/"> art and nature </a>inside and out. The architects recently began construction on the building, and it will open later this year.

1

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

The design of <a href="http://lycs-arc.com/">LYCS Architecture</a>'s Spruce Art Center is a response to two fundamental architectural challenges: it seeks to evoke new spatial meaning while reconciling an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-yorks-high-line-park-in-the-sky-opens-today/">existing structure</a>; and to produce a new design language that is dynamic and strong yet doesn't overtake its natural setting -- in this case, the existing spruce trees.

2

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

As a result, the design of the building follows the traditional architectural aesthetic of the southern region of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yangtze_River">Yangtze</a>. It preserves an intimate connection to water while integrating <a href="http://inhabitat.com/fascinating-museum-with-trees-growing-right-from-its-facade/">live trees into the interior</a> and allowing them to grow through the space.

3

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

LYCS’s design features three different internal <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-berkeley-courtyard-house-is-cooled-by-natural-breezeways/">courtyards </a>, which are hinged together.

4

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

The central courtyard functions as an interior circulation space that connects both the open and closed courtyard.

5

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

Under construction.

6

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

Laying the groundwork.

7

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

The roof is an evolution of the Chinese traditional tile pitched roof; the four vertexes of the roof curve up slightly and then descend gently towards the midpoint.

8

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

This both aids in drainage and echoes the styles of the surrounding buildings.

9

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

Model.

10

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

Model.

11

1/11

LYCS Architecture's Hangzhou Spruce Art Center

LYCS Architecture just began constructing a new daylit art center in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China that is every bit as beautiful as the site it sits upon. The Spruce Art Center reuses a pre-existing, one-story structure located on a lot flush with spruce trees, and transforms it from an abandoned relic into a dynamic new space that integrates both art and nature inside and out. The architects recently began construction on the building, and it will open later this year.